What Renters Need to Know About Rent Control in Arkansas

Renters across the country are talking about rent control and rent stabilization, hoping for fairer and more predictable rental costs. In Arkansas, understanding your current rights and the potential for future rent control legislation is essential, especially if you’re experiencing rent increases or facing landlord disputes. This guide explains Arkansas's legal framework around this issue, discusses ongoing talks about change, and where you can get support as a renter.

Current State of Rent Control in Arkansas

As of 2024, Arkansas does not have any rent control or rent stabilization laws. Local governments in Arkansas are legally prohibited from enacting any form of rent control by state law.

• There are no state or local limits on how much a landlord can raise rent.
• Landlords must generally provide advance written notice—usually one full rental period—before raising the rent for month-to-month tenants.
• There are no specific caps on annual rent increases.

Arkansas law places very few restrictions on rental pricing. This means landlords can adjust the rent as they wish when leases expire, unless another agreement is reached in the lease contract.

Is Rent Control Coming to Arkansas?

There is growing national discussion about protecting tenants from sudden or excessive rent hikes. However, as of now, Arkansas has not introduced any new rent control legislation in the state legislature. Because Arkansas law currently bans local rent regulation, any significant change would require action by the Arkansas General Assembly to amend Arkansas Code § 14-16-109 (Prohibition on rent control by local governments)¹.

Advocates continue to raise the issue, and discussions about tenant protections—including habitability standards and eviction reforms—sometimes include mention of rent stabilization. For now, renters should stay informed but base housing decisions on current law.

What Are My Rights When Facing a Rent Increase?

If you receive a notice that your rent is increasing, here’s what Arkansas law says:

• For month-to-month or periodic tenancies, landlords must give written notice equal to the rental period (usually 30 days) before the increase.
• If you’re under a fixed-term lease, the rent cannot be increased until the lease ends, unless your rental agreement says otherwise.

If you think the rent increase violates your written lease, you can contact the landlord in writing to request clarification.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Arkansas Notice to Terminate Tenancy: While there is no universal "rent increase" form, landlords must give written notice for rent changes. You can use the Arkansas Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month Tenancy to formally respond if you decide not to accept a new rent amount.
  Example: If your landlord raises the rent and you don’t want to stay, give written notice using this form at least 30 days in advance.

Where to Bring Housing Complaints

Arkansas does not have a statewide housing tribunal. Disputes about rent or eviction are usually resolved in local circuit or district court. For more information, see the Arkansas Judiciary – Courts Directory and consult your county clerk for filing guidance.

Relevant Arkansas Tenancy Legislation

• Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 (Title 18, Chapter 17) governs most rental agreements, notices, and eviction proceedings.
• Arkansas Code § 14-16-109 prohibits rent control by local governments.

Read your lease carefully—local practices may affect notice procedures for rent increases, but all rental law ultimately refers to these statutes.

FAQ: Common Questions About Rent and Rent Control in Arkansas

1. Does Arkansas have any rent control laws?
   No, Arkansas prohibits rent control at both the local and state level. There are no caps on rent increases statewide.
2. How much notice must my landlord provide before raising my rent?
   Typically, for month-to-month rentals, landlords must give written notice at least one rental period in advance (usually 30 days).
3. Can my landlord raise rent during my lease term?
   No, unless your lease specifically allows for changes, your rent cannot be increased until the term ends.
4. Where do I go if I want to dispute a rent increase or eviction?
   Disputes are generally handled in local circuit or district courts. Contact your county clerk or the Arkansas Judiciary for instructions.
5. Are there any forms for rent increase disputes?
   While there’s no official rent dispute form, you can use the Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month Tenancy if you decide not to accept a rent increase.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

• Arkansas does not have rent control or rent stabilization, and no measures have passed to change that as of 2024.
• Any rent changes must follow notice requirements and written lease terms.
• Stay updated on future legislative developments through official Arkansas government resources.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Renters Program (Department of Finance and Administration)
• Arkansas Legal Services – Landlord-Tenant Help
• Arkansas Judiciary (for local court dispute resolution)
• Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007

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1. Arkansas Code § 14-16-109 – Prohibition of Rent Control
2. Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007

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